Automatic on-off sprinkler head system

ABSTRACT

An automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system comprising an inlet means and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom having one or more automatic on-off sprinkler heads including a housing, a movable partition sealingly engaging the housing for dividing the housing into two chambers: a primary chamber and a control chamber, the housing including an inlet port in the primary chamber adapted for connection with a source of fire quenching fluid, and an outlet port in the primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid, a control valve in the control chamber, a heat responsive device for opening the control valve to vent the control chamber above a predetermined temperature and close said control valve below that temperature, a valve element connected with the partition for closing the outlet port, biasing means for producing a force on the partition to urge the valve element to close the outlet port, and a passage interconnecting the primary and control chambers for enabling equalization of pressure therein.

United States Patent 1191 Grenier July 17, 1973 AUTOMATIC ON-OFF SPRINKLER HEAD SYSTEM Primary Examiner-Robert S. Ward, Jr. [75] Inventor: Wilfred J. Grenier, Rutland, Mass. Attorney-Charles Fay [73] Assignee: General Industries, Inc., Rutland, [57] ABSTRACT Mass.

An automat1c on-off fire quenching sprmkler system [22] Filed: July 23, 1971 comprising an inlet means and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom having one or more automatic [21] Appl' l65672 on-off sprinkler heads including a housing, a movable partition sealingly engaging the housing for dividing the [52] US. Cl 169/37, 169/22, 169/23, housing into two chambers: a primary chamber and a /45 control chamber, the housing including an inlet port in [51] Int. Cl. A62c 37/06 the primary chamber adapted for connection with a [58] Field of Search 169/19, 20, 22, 23, source of fire quenching fluid, and an outlet port in the 169/37; 251/43-45; 137/413 primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid, a control valve in the control chamber, a heat responsive [56] References Cited device for opening the control valve to vent the control UNITED STATES PATENTS chamber above a predetermined temperature and close 3,160,212 12 1964 Reid 169 20 Said comm valve Pelow a valve 917,292 4/1909 Hankee at 169/37 ment connected with the part1t1on for closlng the outlet 1,653,177 12 1927 Herz 169/23 P biasing means for Producing a force on the P l,826,088 10/1931 Ostlind 251/44 tion to urge the valve element to close the outlet port, 2,291,101 7/1942 p 251/44 X and a passage interconnecting the primary and control 2,355,949 10/1958 Sterner 251/43 X chambers for enabling equalization of pressure therein. 2,523,097 9/1950 Coleman 169/23 2,933,139 4 1960 ORear 169/23 30 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Elnited States Patent [1 1 [111 3,746,098

Grenier July 17, 1973 TO ALARM CIRCUIT Patented July 17, 1973 3,746,098

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 TO ALARM CIRCUIT (\M 56 ATTOR/VEX Patented July 17, 1973 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 &

795 EXTERNAL ALARM To POWER'SUPPLY FIG. 4.

W/L FRED J. GRE/V/El? #vvmroe.

3, 04 5, wfla ATTOR/VEX Patented July 17, 1973 M ED W/LFRED J GRE/V/ER By WVE/VTOR ase ol a nzf arl a ATTORNEY.

I E I A. a A M V {WIMP 39 b A SE4 azmmkxw Patented July 17, 1973 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 llilllall 170: gahcrio ATTORNEY.

AUTOMATIC ON-OFF SPRINKLER HEAD SYSTEM FIELD OF INVENTION BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Conventional fire sprinkler systems generally use a plurality of sprinkler heads each of which contains a plug of fusible material which, when subjected to heat above a predetermined temperature, melts and opens the head permitting the water or other fire quenching fluid to escape. Since the plug is thus destroyed, the

head remains open and continues to spue forth the fluid even after the temperature has subsided. The flow can only be shut off using a master valve when it has been ascertained that the fire is out in all areas served by sprinkler heads controlled by the master valve. Thus the fluid, usually water, may continue to flow for some time after the fire is out: until some person determines the fire is out and moves to close the appropriate master valve. In addition, if there is still fire in any area serviced by any one of the heads, the master valve cannot be closed and so all the other heads controlled by that valve will continue to spray out water even though there is no longer a fire in their area. Water damage resulting from such circumstances often exceeds that from the fire. In addition, such one shot sprinkler heads do not lend themselves to a simple yet reliable, compact alarm network for monitoring the system. Further, after a fire each head that has been tripped must be replaced and until each head is replaced and the entire system or branch thereof is again operative the installation is without any protection. Many of the conventional sprinkler heads also suffer from the shortcoming that they are unable to work with fire quenching fluids other than water, either because these fluids are provided at a pressure other than that at which the head can function or because the fluid has a different consistency than that for which the head is designed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system in which each sprinkler head operates as its own valve, opening when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level and closing again when the temperature subsides.

' It is a further object of this invention to provide such an automatic system which can be used with a number of different fire quenching fluids and solutions.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such an automatic system which is capable of operation with a simple yet reliable electrical alarm circuit which can monitor the condition of each sprinkler head and indicate the same individually or in groups on a display.

The invention features an automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system including an inlet main and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom having one or more automatic on-off sprinkler heads. Each head includes a housing and a movable partition therein sealingly engaging the housing for dividing the housing into two chambers; the primary chamber and the control chamber. The housing includes an inlet port in the primary chamber adapted for connection to a source of fire quenching fluid and an outlet port in the primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid. A control valve is provided in the control chamber and a heat responsive device functions to open the control valve to vent the control chamber when the surrounding temperature reaches a predetermined temperature and close the control valve below that temperature. There is a valve element connected with the partition for closing the outlet port and biasing means for producing a force on the partition to urge the valve element to close the outlet port..A passage interconnecting the primary and control chambers enables equalization of pressure therein.

DISCLOSURE OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Other objects, features and advantages will occur from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional elevational view of a sprinkler head used in the automatic on-off sprinkler system according to this invention with switching means.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the sprinkler head of FIG. 1 using an alternative switching means.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a sprinkler head system including a plurality of sprinkler heads arranged in zones and a display panel for indicating the conditions of the sprinkler heads in each of those zones.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the circuit which monitors one of the four zones in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an alternative sprinkler head which may be used in the system of this invention.

The sprinkler head may be constructed using a housing and a movable partition which sealingly engages with the housing to provide a primary chamber and a control chamber. The housing includes an inlet port and an outlet port in the primary chamber; the inlet port is adapted for connection with a source of fire quenching fluid which is distributed through the outlet port. A passage interconnecting the two chambers preferably located in the partition, permits the fluid provided at the inlet port to fill the control chamber as well as the primarychamber. Thus the pressure in the two chambers equalizes and the resultant force on the partition is balanced. A valve element connected to the partition is provided to close the outlet port. A biasing device, such as a spring, is used to apply a positive force to the partition in this balanced condition to insure proper seating of the valve element with the outlet port. The outlet port may include a valve seat and the valve element may be made of resilient material to improve the valving action. A control valve in the control chamber is opened by a heat responsive device when a predetermined temperature is reached. Upon the opening of this control valve the fluid in the control chamber is vented to a lower pressure, usually atmospheric pressure, so that the pressure in the control chamber is substantially reduced relative to that in the primary chamber. The difference in pressure between the two chambers produces a resultant force on the partition sufficient to move it and so also move the valve element away from the outlet port. The sprinkler head is now on and discharges the fire quenching fluid. After the fire is out and the temperature decreases the heat responsive device permits the control valve,usually spring loaded, to return to the closed position. The fluid entering through the inlet port enters through the passage interconnecting the chambers and fills the: control chamber and enables the pressures in the two chambers to once again equalize. When the pressures are equalized the spring force moves the partition to position the valve element to close the outlet port and shut off the sprinkler head.

In one embodiment, FIG. 1, sprinkler head includes a housing 12 with a partition 14 that creates two chambers, primary chamber 16 and control chamber 18, a control valve 20, spring 21 and heat responsive device 22. 7

Housing 12 includes nipple 24, upper section 26 and lower section 28 joined together at seam 30 where there may be located an O-ring 32 for additional sealing. Inlet port 34 is formed by nipple 24 fitted in collar 36 and outlet port 38 is formed at collar 40. Nipple 24 extends through control chamber 18 into primary chamber 16. Raised shoulder 42 provides a valve seat 44 for valve element 46 connected to partition 14 by bracket 48 which is formed with large holes 50 to permit free flow of fluid therethrough. Valve element 46 is preferably formed of resilient material such as rubber and fastened in place by stem 52. A rigid cap 54 may be used to prevent distortion of valve element 46. At the lower end of stem 52 there is, secured by screw 56, distributor plate 58 for distributing the fire quenching fluid.

Partition 14 includes cylindrical base 60, cylindrical neck 62 and intermediate annular member 64. Base 60 slidingly engages section 28 of housing 12 and has a channel 66 for retaining O-ring 68. Neck 62 slidingly engages nipple 24 and includes a channel 70 for retaining Q-ring 72. Passage 74 interconnects chambers 16 and 18 to permit chamber 18 to fill from chamber 16 and to permit the pressures in the chambers to equalize. A screen 75 may be used to prevent dirt particles from reaching passage 74.

A unidirectional check valve, cuff 80 may be provided at passage 74 to help prevent surges in line pressure in chamber 16 from accidentally turning on head 10. Cuff 80 may be a flap of resilient material, such as rubber, whose lower periphery 81 tightly grips cylindrical neck 62 and whose upper periphery 83 is free to flap against neck 62 to seal the end of passage 74 in chamber 18. Cuff 80 permits flow through passage 74 from chamber 16 to chamber 18 when line pressure increases but prevents back-flow from chamber 18 to chamber 16 when line pressure decreases.

Control valve 20 includes a valve element 90 on valve stem 92 which passes through vent hole 94 and supports hood 96. Resilient portion 91 of valve element 90 is urged closed against seat 98 by spring 100 in screened enclosure 102.

Heat responsive device 22 includes a bimetallic element 104 mounted on bracket 106 fastened to section 26 of housing 12. Screw 108 passes through a hole in bimetallic element 104 and threadably engages with holes in bracket 106 to provide adjustment of bimetallic element 104. Neck 110 of hood 96 is engaged in hole 112 in bimetallic element 104.

in operation, at normal temperatures, control valve 20 is held closed by spring 100; the pressure in chamber 18 is equal to that in chamber 16 so that the force exerted by spring 21 on partition 14 holds valve element 46 against seat 44 closing outlet port 38 and maintains head 10 in the off condition. When the surrounding temperature increases to a predetermined level bimetallic element 104 reacts by moving downward at its free end thereby moving resilient portion 91 off its seat 98 and opening control valve 20. The fluid in chamber 18 is thus vented to the atmosphere through vent 94, thereby reducing the pressure in chamber 18. The difference in pressure thus created between chamber 16 and 18 produces a force on partition 14 sufficient to overcome that exerted by spring 21 and partition 14 is moved upward. Valve element 46 fixed to partition 14 is likewise moved upward off of seat 44 and outlet port 38 is opened. Head 10 is now in the one condition and fire quenching fluid is discharged from outlet port 38 and distributed by distributor plate 58. After the fire is out and the temperature decreases, the free end of bimetallic element 104 moves upwardly and permits hood 96, stem 92 and valve element to move upward under the urging of spring until resilient portion 91 is once again closed on seat 98. When control valve 20'is closed, fluid entering through passage 74 begins to accumulate in chamber 18 and the pressure in chamber 18 approaches that in chamber16. When the pressures in the two chambers are substantially equal the force of spring 21 moves partition 14 downwardly and valve element 46 closes outlet port 38 restoring head 10 to the off condition. Sprinkler head 10 is thus automatically reset and ready to react to the'nex t increase in temper ature without any intervention or resetting operation, and will continue to operate in this manner, turning on when the temperature reaches a predetermined value and turning off when the temperature subsides, automatically, without aid or assistance.

Sprinkler head 10 can withstand very high pressures and its material, finishes, and porting are sufficient to perform well with a number of different fire quenching fluids over a wide range of pressures; for example, sprinkler head 10 can perform very well with firefighting gas known as Freon 1 301 which is normally supplied at 200 pounds per square inch pressure.

Sprinkler head 10 may be equipped with switching means included in an electrical circuit whereby the condition of the sprinkler head can be automatically remotely electrically monitored. For example, in FlG. 1 an insulated extension 116 with contact 118 may be added to the free end of bimetallic element 104 so that upon a suitable increase in temperature, when the free end begins to move downwardly, contact 1 18 will meet contact 120 mounted on insulating stud 122. An even more positive indication of the condition of sprinkler head 10 may be obtained by providing a third contact 124 mounted on insulating member 116 and a fourth contact 126 mounted on support member 128 and properly insulated so that a normally closed circuit through contacts 124 and 126 and a normally open circuit through contacts 118 and 120 indicate that the free end is in its normal position and an interruption in the circuit including contacts 124 and 126 indicates an increase in temperature to which the bimetallic element 104 is beginning to react and the closing of the circuit through contacts 118 and 120 indicates that the sprinkler head has indeed been actuated. The condition of control valve 20 may also be monitored by connecting a circuit through a contact 130 mounted on hood 96 and properly insulated, and contact 132 mounted on stud 134. Normally closed contacts similar to contacts 124 and 126 may also be associated with the operation of control valve 20. The switching means may be completely encased or hermetically sealed to protect them from environmental contamination and hazards.

Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 2 where like parts have been given like numbers, an external switch 136 may be associated with each sprinkler head 10. Switch 136 may have three terminals 138, 140, 142 which represent three contacts: the normally closed, normally opened, and the swinging contact respectively. Thus, terminal 138 is equivalent to contact 126 in FIG. 1; terminal 140 is equivalent to contact 120 in FIG. 1; and terminal 142 is equivalent to contacts 118 and 124 in FIG. 1. Lever 144 pivoted at member 146 bears on plunger 148 which normally connects terminal 138 to terminal 142, but when driven downward by lever 144 disconnects terminal 142 from terminal 138 and connects terminal 142 to terminal 140. Lever 144 extends over and engages bimetallic element 104 beneath the free end, or, alternatively, lever 144 may be formed as shown in phantom at 144 to bear on the bottom edge of hood 96. In either configuration, when the temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the free end of bimetallic element 104 moves downwardly thereby forcing lever 144 to depress plunger 148.

Sprinkler head may be used in a system 150, FIG. 3, which includes a source of fire quenching fluid 154 connected to main control valve 156 by main line 152. A plurality of branch lines 158, 160, 162, 164, 166 and 168 may be derived from main line 152. Each of the branch lines includes a plurality of sprinkler heads 10, each of which is associated with a switching means 170, such as that shown in FIG. 1, which includes contacts 118, 120, 124, 126, 130, 132, or in FIG. 2, which includes switch 136 for monitoring the condition of that sprinkler head. A plurality of sprinkler heads 10 included in a number of different branch lines may be designated as a zone such as zones A, B, C, and D, in FIG. 3. Each switching means 170 associated with a sprinkler head 10 may have its own alarm circuit including indicating means on a remote display panel. Or, alternatively, all of the switching means 170 associated with the sprinkler heads 10 in a particular zone may be combined into one alarm network for that zone. Thus in FIG. 3 the nine switching means 170 associated with the nine sprinkler heads 10 in zone A are connected in one circuit 172 which contains indicator lamp 174 on display panel 176. Similarly, the switching means in zone B are connected in circuit 178 which contains indicator lamp 180; the switching means in zone C are connected in circuit 182 which contains indicator lamp 184; and the switching means in zone D are connected in circuit 186 which contains indicator lamp 188. Circuits 172, 158, 182 and 186 may also be arranged to trigger an external alarm in conjunction with energizing their respective indicator lamps on display panel 176.

The alarm circuits 172, 178, 182 and 186 discussed in FIG. 3 may be implemented as shown in FIG. 4 with specific reference to alarm circuit 172 associated with zone A. Each of the nine switching means 170 is shown schematically as a single pole, single throw switch for simplicity, but as explained before any desired switching combination and arrangement of contacts may be used. The nine switching means 170 are connected in parallel and as a group are connected in series with relay coil 190 across the main busses 192 and 194 connected to a power supply. Also connected across main busses 192 and 194 is external alarm 196 in series with a first set of relay contacts 190 controlled by relay coil 190, and indicator lamp 174 connected in series with contacts 190" which are also controlled by relay coil 190. Thus, when any one of the nine switching means closes, indicating that the free end of bimetallic element 104 has moved downwardly to open sprinkler head 10 in response to an excessive temperature, power is connected from line 192 through that closed switching means 170 to relay coil and back through line 194. This energization of relay coil 190 causes contacts 190 to close and supply power to the external alarm 196, causing it to be actuated, and contacts 190" to close and supply power to indicator lamp 174 on display panel 176.

TI-Ie system of this invention is not limited to use with sprinkler head 10. An alternative sprinkler head 210, FIG. 5, may also be used. Sprinkler head 210 includes a housing 212 with a partition 214 that creates two chambers, primary chamber 216 and control chamber 218, a control valve 220, spring 221 and heat responsive device 222. Housing 212 may include a nipple 224, upper section 226 and lower section 228 joined together at seam 230. Housing 212 includes an inlet port 234 and an outlet port 236 in primary chamber 216. Outlet port 236 may include outlet tube 238 fitted in collar 240. Tube 238 may be formed with a flared end 242 to provide valve seat 244 for valve element 246 connected to partition 214 by racket 248. Valve element 246 is preferably formed of resilient material such as rubber and fastened in place by stem 252. A rigid cap 254 may be used to prevent distortion of valve element 246. At the lower end of stem 252 there is, secured by screw 256, distributor plate 258 for distributing the fire quenching fluid.

Partition 214 includes diaphragm 260 and slide 262 connected therewith. Diaphragm 260 may be a resilient material such as rubber and may include a peripheral bead 264 which when gripped between sections 226 and 228 at seam 230 serves to support diaphragm 260 and slide 262, and improve the seal between sections 226 and 228. Slide 262 may be interconnected with diaphragm 260 by means of support member 266 having a collar 268 fixed to slide 262 and an annular area 270 engaged with diaphragm 260 and a second support member 272 fixed to slide 262 and also engaged with diaphragm 260. Diaphragm 260 is held between members 266 and 272 by any suitable means such as a friction fit, adhesive material or the like.

Slide 262 is a hollow tubular form which is adapted to slide on and sealingly engage guide 280 fixed to section 226.

Passage 290 interconnects chambers 216 and 218 to permit chamber 218 to fill from chamber 216 and to permit the pressures in the chambers to equalize. Member 272 has a plurality of holes 273 in it to provide free flow of fluid therethrough and to insure commnication between passage 290 and chamber 216. A screen 292 may be used to prevent dirt particles from reaching passage 290.

A unidirectional check valve, flat ring 300, may be provided at passage 290 to help prevent surges in line pressure from accidentally turning on head 210. Ring 300 may be a flap of resilient material, such as rubber, whose inner periphery 301 tightly grips slide 262 and whose outer periphery 303 is free to flap against member 226 to seal the end of passage 290 in chamber 218. Ring 300 permits flow through passage 290 from chamber 216 to chamber 218 when line pressure increases but prevents back-flow from chamber 218 to chamber 216 when line pressure decreases.

Control valve 220 includes a resilient portion 308 and valve element 310 on valve stem 312 which passes through vent hole 314 and supports hood 316. Resilient portion 308 is urged closed against seat 318 by spring 320 in screened enclosure 322.

Heat responsive device 222 includes a bimetallic element 324 mounted on bracket 326 fastened to section 226 of housing 212. Screw 328 passes through a hole in bimetallic element 324 and threadably engages with holes in bracket 326 to provide adjustment of bimetallic element 324. The neck 330 of hood 316 engaged in hole 332 in bimetallicelement 334.

In operation, at normal temperatures, control valve 220 is held closed by spring 320; the pressure in chamber 218 is equal to that in chamber 216 so that the force exerted by spring 221 on partition 214 holds valve element 246 against seat 244 closing outlet port 236 and maintains head 210 in the off condition. When 7 the surrounding temperature increases to a predeterminedlevel bimetallic element 324 reacts by movingdownward at its free end thereby moving resilient portion 308 off seat 318 and opening control valve 220. The fluid in chamber 218 is thus vented to the atmosphere through vent hole 314 thereby reducing the pressure in chamber 218. The difference in pressure thus created between chamber 216 and 218 produces a force on partition 214 sufficient to overcome that exerted by spring 221 and partition 214 is moved upward. Valve element 246 fixed to partition 214 is likewise moved upward off of seat 244 and outlet port 236 is opened. Head 210 is not in the on condition and fire quenching fluid is discharged from outlet port 236 and distributed by distributor plate 258. After the tire is out and the temperature decreases, the free end of bimetallicelement 324 moves upwardly and permits hood 316, stem 312 and valve element 314 to move upward under the urging of spring 320 until resilient portion 308 is once again closed on seat 318. When control valve 220 is closed, fluid entering through passage 290 begins to accumulate in chamber 218 and the pressure in chamber 218 approaches that in chamber 216. When the pressuresin the two chambers are substantially equal the force of spring 221 moves partition 214 downwardly and valve element 246 closes outlet port 236 restoring head 210 to the off condition.

Sprinkler head 210 may be equipped with switching means included in an electrical circuit whereby the condition of the sprinkler head can be automatically, remotely, electrically, monitored. For example, in FIG. 5, an insulating extension 416 with contact 418 may be added to the free end of bimetallic element 324 so that upon a suitable increase in temperature, when the free end begins to move downwardly, contact 418 will meet contact 420 mounted on insulating member 422. An even more positive indication of the condition of sprinkler head 210 may be obtained by providing a third contact 424 mounted on insulating extension 416 and a fourth contact 426 mounted on support member 428 and properly insulated so that a normally closed circuit through contacts 424 and 426 and a normally open circult through contacts 418 and 420 indicate that the free end is in its normal position and an interruption in the circuit including contacts 424 and 426 indicates an increase in temperature to which the bimetallic element 324 is beginning to react and the closing of the circuit through contacts 418 and 420 indicates that the sprinkler head has indeed been actuated. The condition of control valve 220 may also be monitored by connecting a circuit through a contact 430 mounted on hood 316 and properly insulated, and contact 432 mounted on stud 434. Normally closed contacts similar to contacts 424 and 426 may also be associated with the operation of control valve 220. The switching means may be completely encased or hermetically sealed to protect them from environmental contamination and hazards.

Alternatively, an external switch such as used in conjunction with sprinkler head 10 in FIG. 2 may be used with sprinkler head 210.

Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system comprising an inlet main and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom having one or more automatic on-off sprinkler heads including a housing, a movable partition sealingly engaging said housing for dividing said housing into two chambers: a primary chamber and a control chamber, said housing including an inlet port in said primary chamber adapted for connection with a source of fire quenching fluid and an outlet port in said primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid, a control valve in said control chamber, a heat responsive device for opening said control valve to vent said control chamber above a predetermined temperature, and close said control valve below that temperature, a valve element connected with said partition for closing said outlet port, biasing means for producing a force on said partition to urge said valve element to close said outlet port, and a passage interconnecting said primary and control chambers for enabling equalization of pressure therein.

2. The system of claim 1 further including switching means actuated by said heat responsive device for operation in conjunction with said sprinkler head.

3. The system of claim 2 in which said switching means includes first contact means carried by said heat responsive device and second contact means, proximate said first for selective engagement therewith.

4. The system of claim 2 in which said switching means includes a switch device and actuator means driven by said heat responsive device for operating said switch device.

5. The system of claim 2 further including an electrical alarm circuit connected with each of said switching means for indicating that a said sprinkler head has been tripped.

6. The system of claim 5 in which said alarm circuit includes a plurality of branches each of which monitors one or more said sprinkler heads in a particular zone.

7. The system of claim 5 in which said alarm circuit includes a display device for indicating that a said sprinkler head has been tripped.

8. The system of claim 6 in'which said alarm circuit includes a display device for indicating that a said sprinkler head has been tripped and the zone in which that sprinkler head is located.

9. The system of claim 1 further including switching means actuated by said control valve for operation in conjunction with said sprinkler head.

10. The system of claim 9 in which said switching means includes first contact means carried by said control valve and second contact means proximate said first for selective engagement therewith.

11. The system of claim 9 in which said switching means includes a switch device and actuator means driven by said control valve for operating said switch device.

12. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said movable partition includes a base for sealingly, slidingly engaging said housing and a neck for sealingly, slidingly engaging said inlet port and an intermediate member interconnecting said base and said neck.

13. The sprinkler head of claim 12 in which said base and said neck are generally cylindrical and said intermediate member is generally annular.

14. The sprinkler head of claim 12 in which said inlet port includes an inlet tube, extending through said control chamber into said primary chamber, for sealingly slidingly engaging said neck.

15. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said passage extends through said partition.

16. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said outlet port includes a valve seat for sealing engagement with said valve element.

17. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said vlave element includes a resilient material.

18. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said biasing means includes a spring member located in said control chamber.

19. The sprinkler head of claim 1 further including a distributor device for distributing the fluid discharged from said outlet port.

20. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said partition includes a diaphragm sealingly engaged with said housing.

21. The sprinkler head of claim 20 in which said partition further includes a slide member connected with said diaphragm.

22. The sprinkler head of claim 21 in which said slide member includes an intermediate member for interconnecting said slide member and said disphragm.

23. The sprinkler head of claim 21 further including a guide member mounted within said housing for slidingly engaging said slide member.

24. The sprinkler head of claim 21 in which said passage extends through said partition.

25. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said outlet port includes an elongated outlet tube.

26. The sprinkler head of claim 21 in which said outlet port includes a valve seat for sealing engagement with said valve element.

27. The sprinkler head of claim 21 in which said biasing means includes a spring member located in said control chamber.

28. The sprinkler head of claim 21 further including a distributor device for distributing the fluid discharged from said outlet port.

29. An automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system comprising an inlet means, and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom having one or more automatic on-off sprinkler heads including a housing, a movable partition sealingly engaging said housing for dividing said housing into two chambers: a primary chamber and a control chamber, said housing including an inlet port in said primary chamber adapted for connection with a source of fire quenching fluid, and an outlet port in said primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid, said movable partition including a base for sealingly slidingly engaging said housing, a neck for sealingly slidingly engaging said inlet port, and an intermediate member interconnecting said base and said neck, a control valve in said control chamber, a heat responsive device for opening said control valve to vent said control chamber above a predetermined temperature, and close said control valve below that temperature, a valve element connected with said partition for closing said outlet port, biasing means for producing a force on said partition to urge said valve element to close said outlet port, and a passage interconnecting said primary and control chambers for enabling equalization of pressure therein.

30. An automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system comprising an inlet main and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom,having one or more automatic on-off sprinkler heads,including a housing, a movable partion sealingly engaging said housing for dividing said housing into two chambers: a primary chamber and a control chamber, said partition including a diaphragm sealingly engaged with said housing and a slide member connected with said diaphragm, said housing including an inlet port in said primary chamber adapted for connection with a source of fire quenching fluid and an outlet port in said primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid and a guide member for slidingly, sealingly engaging said slide member, a control valve in said control chamber, a heat responsive device for opening said control valve to vent said control chamber above a predetermined temperature, and close said control valve below that temperature, a valve element connected with said partition for closing said outlet port, biasing means for producing a force on said partition to urge said valve element to close said outlet port, and a passage interconnecting said primary and control chambers for equalization of pressure therein. 

1. An automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system comprising an inlet main and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom having one or more automatic on-off sprinkler heads including a housing, a movable partition sealingly engaging said housing for dividing said housing into two chambers: a primary chamber and a control chamber, said housing including an inlet port in said primary chamber adapted for connection with a source of fire quenching fluid and an outlet port in said primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid, a control valve in said control chamber, a heat responsive device for opening said control valve to vent said control chamber above a predetermined temperature, and close said control valve below that temperature, a valve element connected with said partition for closing said outlet port, biasing means for producing a force on said partition to urge said valve element to close said outlet port, and a passage interconnecting said primary and control chambers for enabling equalization of pressure therein.
 2. The system of claim 1 further including switching means actuated by said heat responsive device for operation in conjunction with said sprinkler head.
 3. The system of claim 2 in which said switching means includes first coNtact means carried by said heat responsive device and second contact means, proximate said first for selective engagement therewith.
 4. The system of claim 2 in which said switching means includes a switch device and actuator means driven by said heat responsive device for operating said switch device.
 5. The system of claim 2 further including an electrical alarm circuit connected with each of said switching means for indicating that a said sprinkler head has been tripped.
 6. The system of claim 5 in which said alarm circuit includes a plurality of branches each of which monitors one or more said sprinkler heads in a particular zone.
 7. The system of claim 5 in which said alarm circuit includes a display device for indicating that a said sprinkler head has been tripped.
 8. The system of claim 6 in which said alarm circuit includes a display device for indicating that a said sprinkler head has been tripped and the zone in which that sprinkler head is located.
 9. The system of claim 1 further including switching means actuated by said control valve for operation in conjunction with said sprinkler head.
 10. The system of claim 9 in which said switching means includes first contact means carried by said control valve and second contact means proximate said first for selective engagement therewith.
 11. The system of claim 9 in which said switching means includes a switch device and actuator means driven by said control valve for operating said switch device.
 12. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said movable partition includes a base for sealingly, slidingly engaging said housing and a neck for sealingly, slidingly engaging said inlet port and an intermediate member interconnecting said base and said neck.
 13. The sprinkler head of claim 12 in which said base and said neck are generally cylindrical and said intermediate member is generally annular.
 14. The sprinkler head of claim 12 in which said inlet port includes an inlet tube, extending through said control chamber into said primary chamber, for sealingly slidingly engaging said neck.
 15. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said passage extends through said partition.
 16. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said outlet port includes a valve seat for sealing engagement with said valve element.
 17. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said vlave element includes a resilient material.
 18. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said biasing means includes a spring member located in said control chamber.
 19. The sprinkler head of claim 1 further including a distributor device for distributing the fluid discharged from said outlet port.
 20. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said partition includes a diaphragm sealingly engaged with said housing.
 21. The sprinkler head of claim 20 in which said partition further includes a slide member connected with said diaphragm.
 22. The sprinkler head of claim 21 in which said slide member includes an intermediate member for interconnecting said slide member and said disphragm.
 23. The sprinkler head of claim 21 further including a guide member mounted within said housing for slidingly engaging said slide member.
 24. The sprinkler head of claim 21 in which said passage extends through said partition.
 25. The sprinkler head of claim 1 in which said outlet port includes an elongated outlet tube.
 26. The sprinkler head of claim 21 in which said outlet port includes a valve seat for sealing engagement with said valve element.
 27. The sprinkler head of claim 21 in which said biasing means includes a spring member located in said control chamber.
 28. The sprinkler head of claim 21 further including a distributor device for distributing the fluid discharged from said outlet port.
 29. An automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system comprising an inlet means, and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom having one or more automatic on-off sprinkler heads including a housing, a movable parTition sealingly engaging said housing for dividing said housing into two chambers: a primary chamber and a control chamber, said housing including an inlet port in said primary chamber adapted for connection with a source of fire quenching fluid, and an outlet port in said primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid, said movable partition including a base for sealingly slidingly engaging said housing, a neck for sealingly slidingly engaging said inlet port, and an intermediate member interconnecting said base and said neck, a control valve in said control chamber, a heat responsive device for opening said control valve to vent said control chamber above a predetermined temperature, and close said control valve below that temperature, a valve element connected with said partition for closing said outlet port, biasing means for producing a force on said partition to urge said valve element to close said outlet port, and a passage interconnecting said primary and control chambers for enabling equalization of pressure therein.
 30. An automatic on-off fire quenching sprinkler system comprising an inlet main and one or more branch lines issuing therefrom,having one or more automatic on-off sprinkler heads, including a housing, a movable partion sealingly engaging said housing for dividing said housing into two chambers: a primary chamber and a control chamber, said partition including a diaphragm sealingly engaged with said housing and a slide member connected with said diaphragm, said housing including an inlet port in said primary chamber adapted for connection with a source of fire quenching fluid and an outlet port in said primary chamber for dispensing fire quenching fluid and a guide member for slidingly, sealingly engaging said slide member, a control valve in said control chamber, a heat responsive device for opening said control valve to vent said control chamber above a predetermined temperature, and close said control valve below that temperature, a valve element connected with said partition for closing said outlet port, biasing means for producing a force on said partition to urge said valve element to close said outlet port, and a passage interconnecting said primary and control chambers for equalization of pressure therein. 